030421 – COVID-19 Report
March 4, 2021
This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of the impact, preventative measures, and travel restrictions due to COVID-19 as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.
Be aware that reported travel restrictions impacting international travel to specific countries may not apply the same to travelers from all countries.
Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.
Impact
- Brazil * GOV.AU * Brazil is experiencing an increase of COVID-19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths, putting severe pressure on local health systems. A number of state and municipal governments have reinstated COVID-19 restrictions. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. If in need of consular assistance contact +55 61 3226 3111. Register or update your details with DFAT if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident seeking to return to Australia (see ‘Travel’).
- Democratic Republic of the Congo * DOS * Reconsider travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19, crime, civil unrest and Ebola. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Democratic Republic of the Congo due to COVID-19. Democratic Republic of the Congo has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Democratic Republic of the Congo. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Guinea * DOS * Reconsider travel to Guinea due to COVID-19 and Ebola. Exercise increased caution in Guinea due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Guinea due to COVID-19. Guinea has resumed most transportation options, (including airport operations and re-opening of borders) and business operations (including day cares and schools). Other improved conditions have been reported within Guinea. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Guinea.
- World * Communicable disease threats report, 21-27 February 2021, week 8 * COVID-19. Update of the week. Since week 2021-6 and as of week 2021-7, 3 140 801 new cases of COVID-19 (in accordance with the applied case definitions and testing strategies in the affected countries) and 77 103 new deaths have been reported. Globally, since 31 December 2019 and as of week 2021-7, 112 348 223 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, including 2 484. 324 deaths.In the EU/EEA, 21 765 152 cases have been reported, including 531 869 deaths.
Preventative Measures
- Angola * GOV.AU * Angola is under a ‘state of public calamity’ until further notice. Most shops and services are now allowed to operate with some restrictions.
- Bahamas * GOV.UK * Certain rules are in place on the islands of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera (excluding Spanish Wells and Harbour Island) and Exuma (limited to Great and Little Exuma). Details of these rules, which include a curfew between the hours of 10:00pm (8pm on Abaco) and 5:00am and limitations on social gatherings, are available at the Office of the Prime Minister website, subject to change.
- Barbados * GOV.UK * The Government announced that a phased reopening from the lockdown would take place from 1 March. The curfew from 7pm to 6am remains. People are encouraged to stay at home. Most non-essential shops remain closed. Supermarkets and hardware stores are open Monday to Saturday. Restaurants are open only for delivery. Beaches are open for exercise 6am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm.
- Botswana * GOV.UK * There is a nationwide curfew in place, which has been extended until 31 March – with no movement of people, except those with a movement permit (for essential services), from 10pm to 4am. The sale of alcohol is permitted on a takeaway basis and on weekdays only.
- Czech Republic * GOV.UK * From 1 March, there are restrictions on freedom of movement. You must avoid all non-essential movement. Shopping and exercise are only permitted within your municipality (‘obec’). You must not travel outside of your district (‘okres’ in Czech) unless this is for a permitted exceptional reason. Exceptions are permitted for essential travel to work, to the airport, to attend a medical appointment, or to care for an infirm relative, but you may be asked to provide written evidence of the need for your journey. Please note that the size of districts varies: the city of Prague is classed as one district. Further information on movement restrictions, including an affidavit form to confirm that a journey between districts is essential, can be found on the Ministry of Interior website.
- Czech Republic * GOV.UK * It is mandatory to cover your mouth and nose in all indoor and outdoor public spaces in built up areas with a face covering of surgical mask standard or higher. In places with a high number of people, such as public transport, shopping centres and medical facilities, you are required to wear a face covering of FFP2 standard or higher (in Czech known as ‘respirátor’). The Czech government advises that people adhere to social distancing of 2m where possible when in public.
- Czech Republic * GOV.AU * You must wear either FFP2 or N95 face masks in public. Reusable or washable masks and plastic visors no longer be used. A nightly curfews remains in place. Health and travel restrictions change frequently, and regions may differ according to the rate of infection. Follow the latest measures put in place by the Czech Republic’s Ministry of Health (see ‘Travel’).
- Denmark * GOV.UK * There are national restrictions in place until at least 5 April 2021. There is a 5-person limit on gatherings, with the exception of certain outdoor organised sports activities, where the limit is 25. On the island of Bornholm 10 people can gather. From 1 March, some shops (less than 5000m2) can open as long as they are not located in a shopping centre. Outdoor cultural destinations such as zoological gardens can reopen with the precondition that visitors can document a negative COVID-19-test no older than 72 hours.
- Georgia * GOV.UK * Inter-city public transport resumed nationwide on 25 February and municipal transport will now operate at weekends as well as weekdays. Taxis and private vehicles can circulate freely nationwide (outside of the night-time curfew hours) but taxis can hold no more than two passengers, sitting in the rear. If travelling from or to Tbilisi airport by taxi this social distancing rule must still be observed. Face masks must be worn in all public transport and taxis. Some hotels and other rental accommodation remain open but many are closed. Hotels in ski resorts have opened from 25 February but ski lifts will only resume operations on 8 March. Face masks must be worn when entering public spaces inside hotels and rental accommodation. The nationwide curfew on both vehicular and pedestrian movement from 9pm to 5am remains in place, with exceptions for emergency, pharmaceutical, delivery, media and international transport. Violation will result in a 2,000 Lari fine (approx. £450). Enforcement of regulations on social distancing and masks has been tightened. No more than 10 people can participate in social gatherings, indoor or out. Museums will re-open from 1 March; gyms from 15 March; theatres from 1April. Indoor restaurants will re-open in Batumi from 1 March, elsewhere from 8 March. Delivery/drive-through services operate every day of the week. Classroom schooling has resumed although distance learning remains in some cases; kindergartens will re-open from 1 March. Shopping malls and open-air markets will open on weekends as well as weekdays from 8 March. Systematic COVID testing of staff working in trading, catering and teaching professions is taking place. Working from home continues to be recommended where possible.
- Georgia * GOV.AU * Some restrictions on commercial activity have been lifted, but the curfew remains in place from 9pm to 5am and face masks are mandatory in all indoor and outdoor public areas. Inter-city transport, including rail, bus and minibus services, remain restricted.
- Greece * GOV.UK * There are specific measures in place in the cities of Athens (and surrounding Attica region); and in Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki. The rest of Greece is split into a number of categories, with different levels of measures applying in different categories. These categories are: amber areas; red areas; and areas of heightened concern. All measures remain under regular review: you should keep up-to-date by checking this page regularly, and following local announcements.
- Guinea * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a curfew from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. in Conakry. You must wear a face covering in public.
- Guinea * GOV.UK * On 26 February, President Conde extended the state health emergency for 3 months.
- Guinea * GOV.UK * Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the re-emergence of Ebola in Guinea, on 25 February the President introduced further health measures including a curfew from 11pm to 4am. Bars and restaurants must close for the curfew. Those travelling out of Conakry to the regions will need to carry a negative PCR test certificate. There is a maximum of 50 people permitted to attend baptism, marriage, funerals and a maximum of 100 people to attend conferences and cultural events. Mask wearing remains mandatory, distance must be maintained and washing hands when entering and leaving government and private establishments.
- Guinea * GOV.AU * A curfew is in place in Conakry, Coyah and Dubréka from 11pm to 4am. Masks must be worn in public places. Preventative measures and restrictions apply in response to an Ebola outbreak and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Hong Kong * GOV.UK * Public gatherings have been restricted to a maximum of 4 people (members of the same household are exempt). The operations of various businesses, including restaurants and bars, have been limited. The government has also introduced a mandatory requirement to wear face masks in all public spaces, including on public transport. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to 5000 HKD.
- Ireland * GOV.UK * On 23 February, the Irish Government published a new strategy document: COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead. On 23 February Ireland announced Level 5 measures would remain in place until at least 5 April, prior to which a further review would be concluded.
- Italy * GOV.UK * Travel across regions in Italy is banned until 27 March unless for reasons of work, health or absolute necessity.
- Lesotho * GOV.AU * There’s a curfew between 9pm and 5am.
- Lithuania * GOV.UK * From 25 February, you may travel between the cities of Alytus, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Panevėžys, Šiauliai and Vilnius, and their surrounding districts, if you are a resident of those cities/districts. From 25 February, face masks are no longer compulsory in outdoor public spaces. A 2m distance must be maintained between members of different households. Face masks remain compulsory indoors (with the exception of private homes and businesses). It is advised that you continue to wear face masks when mixing with individuals outside your household.
- Mongolia * GOV.AU * Movement between Ulaanbaatar and the provinces is restricted. Many movement and business restrictions have been eased in Ulaanbaatar but educational institutions are closed and public activities, events and gatherings remain suspended. Essential services are available. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Montenegro * GOV.UK * Leaving home between 9pm and 5am is banned. Weekend travel between all municipalities is banned between 9pm on Fridays and 5am on Mondays. In the municipalities of Budva, Tivat, Podgorica, Cetinje, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi, Niksic and Pluzine this travel ban applies both to weekdays and weekends. There are exemptions for those required to leave home or travel for work, healthcare, humanitarian reasons or to catch international flights during these times. Certification from employers or doctors or flight tickets will be requested if you have left home at these times. Cafes, restaurants and shops are only allowed to open between 7am and 6pm, except in the municipalities of Podgorica, Niksic, Cetinje, Kotor, Ulcinj and Pluzine, where cafes, restaurants are closed and only takeaway services are allowed. Hotel restaurants can only serve food to hotel guests in these municipalities. There is a ban on recreational activities for children and adults outdoors in these municipalities, and work from home is recommended wherever is possible.
- Montenegro * GOV.AU * A nationwide curfew remains in place from 9pm to 5am. There is a weekend ban on intercity public transport from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday. There are additional restrictions in Budva, Podgorica, Niksic, Kotor, Cetinje, Herzeg Novi, Ulcinj, Bar, Danilovgrad, Tuzi and Tivat municipalities. If you’re staying in Montenegro, follow the advice of local authorities. Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for updates (see ‘Local Contacts’).
- Mozambique * GOV.UK * Most shopping centres, markets, restaurants, cafes and bars are open, with some restrictions on timings. Beaches are now closed to the public. All swimming pools, gyms and other areas for physical training activities are now closed. Religious services are not permitted. Wearing face coverings is compulsory in all public spaces.
- Namibia * GOV.AU * Namibia is no longer in lockdown. Measures remain in place to avoid the spread of COVID-19. If you’re out in public, you’ll be required to wear a face mask at all times.
- Netherlands * GOV.UK * As of 3 March 2021, non-essential shops are open by appointment, which should be made at least 4 hours in advance. Supermarkets, bakeries, butchers and other shops selling food remain open. Other shops remaining open include pharmacies, chemists and petrol stations. Restaurants and cafes remain open for takeaway only. As of 3 March 2021, hairdressers and other contact-based professions will be open again. Gyms, museums, cinemas, zoos, amusement parks and other public spaces remain closed until further notice.
- Netherlands * GOV.AU * The Netherlands has lockdown measures in place and restrictions on travel. A curfew between 9pm – 4:30am has been extended to 15 March 2021.
- New Zealand * GOV.UK * As of 6am local time on Sunday 28 February, the Auckland region has been put under Covid-19 Alert Level 3 restrictions, the rest of New Zealand has been put under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 restrictions. These restrictions will be in place until 6am on Sunday 7 March. This follows a community outbreak of Covid-19 in South Auckland. Delays s and cancellations to transport may occur, and you should check with your travel provider.
- New Zealand * GOV.AU * From 6am Sunday 28 February 2021 Auckland will move to Alert Level 3 and the rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2 for seven days. In addition to the Australian Government restrictions for the Safe Travel Zone, some Australian states have implemented additional arrangements for travellers. For more details check arrangements with state health authorities or contact your airline.
- Peru * GOV.UK * On 15 March 2020, Peru announced a national State of Emergency, which has now been extended until at least 31 March 2021. The latest tier-based regulations will also be in effect until at least 14 March.
- Poland * GOV.UK * Facemasks are compulsory in open public spaces across Poland, apart from parks, forests and National Parks. Children under 4 are not required to wear facemasks. If there are medical reasons why you cannot wear a facemask, you must carry a doctor’s note with you explaining this. Bandanas, scarves, balaclavas and visors are not permitted alternatives to facemasks. Your mouth and nose must be covered. When outside, you should keep a 1.5 metre distance from others, unless you are a parent with a child under 13 or the carer of a disabled person. You must also wear a facemask at all times in enclosed spaces, on public transport, in taxis or in an open space where you are unable to maintain a 1.5 metre distance. You do not need to wear a facemask in a private car. Police and sanitary inspectors are entitled to issue you with an on-the-spot fine (approximately PLN500/£100) if you are found not to be wearing a facemask when you should. Further prosecution could result in a fine of up to PLN 30,000 (£6,000) for failing to follow sanitary rules.
- Poland * GOV.AU * Nationwide COVID-19 restrictions remain in place. You must follow local laws, which include wearing an approved face mask when in public (see ‘Travel’).
- Serbia * GOV.UK * Most businesses including restaurants, cafes and shopping malls, are not allowed to operate between 8pm and 5am on weekdays and weekends.
- Slovenia * GOV.UK * Since 15 February 2021, movement between municipalities and regions has been permitted. However, on 26 February 2021, the region of Obalno-kraška has been re-classified as red, which means that if you are in this region, you cannot travel to other regions.
- Trinidad and Tobago * GOV.UK * Schools and universities remain closed for most year groups. On 8 February, secondary schools reopened for students in forms four to six, using a hybrid system of online classes with physical classes where necessary. For primary school, standard five students will return to school on 12 April under current government plans. Gymnasiums have reopened (50% capacity) and from 22 February contact sports of up to 22 people or less are permitted to resume. Members of the public continue to be limited to congregating in groups of 10 people (20 for funerals). Travel between Trinidad and Tobago is permitted with the inter-island ferry service operating and with more flights between Trinidad and Tobago (social distancing protocols in place). Public transport is operating at 50% capacity.
- Venezuela * GC.CA * Preventative measures and restrictions are in place, including a “lockdown week” in effect every other week, and may vary depending on the region. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing. Avoid crowded areas. You must wear a face covering in public, including when travelling in private vehicles.
Travel Restrictions
- Bahamas * GOV.UK * There is currently no direct commercial air travel to and from The Bahamas to the UK. British Airways plan to resume flights in May 2021. This is subject to change. You should refer to the BA website and call centre +1 877 767 7970 for more information. Departure via transit destinations such as the US, Jamaica, or Cuba may be possible for eligible travellers. This is subject to change at short notice. You should refer to the travel advice and restrictions before travelling.
- British Virgin Islands * GOV.UK * Ferry ports for vessels from outside of the Territory are due to re-open on 15 April 2021.
- Canada * GOV.AU * Foreign nationals aren’t permitted to enter Canada for non-essential purposes. There’s a small number of exceptions to these restrictions (see Travel). From 22 February 2021, if you’re entering Canada by land or air, you’ll have to submit travel and contact information electronically via the ArriveCan website or app before crossing the border or boarding a flight. If arriving by air, you’ll also need to have a COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival. Prior to departing for Canada, you’ll need to reserve a 3-night stay in a government-authorised hotel, at your own cost, while you wait the results of this test. Other COVID-19 testing regimes for those arriving by land have been introduced. (see Travel).
- Czech Republic * GOV.AU * A State of Emergency remains in place until at least 28 March 2021. There’s a ban on all non-essential travel into the Czech Republic.
- Denmark * GOV.UK * From 1 March, those resident in the UK will be able to enter Denmark if they have a worthy purpose. You can see the list of worthy purposes on the Danish coronavirus website. This is a more extensive list than in recent months. You will need to provide evidence of your worthy purpose.
- France * GOV.UK * From 31 January, all air, car, ferry and train passengers arriving from the European area (defined by the French Ministry of the Interior as EU Member States, Andorra, Holy See, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland) will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, carried out less than 72 hours before departure. Arrivals will also need to present a completed ‘sworn statement’ (déclaration sur l’honneur) form, self-certifying they are not suffering from symptoms associated with coronavirus and have not been in contact with confirmed cases in the preceding fortnight. This form can be found on the French government’s website. Travellers should then self-isolate for seven days on arrival, before taking another PCR test. Cross-border workers and hauliers from within the European area are exempt from this requirement, as are people travelling within a 30km radius of their home.
- Georgia * GOV.AU * Borders remain closed to most foreigners, including Australians. Additional restrictions or lockdowns in response to COVID-19 may be implemented at short notice and fines imposed.
- Hong Kong * GOV.UK * Travellers who have visited “specified high-risk places” under the Hong Kong SAR government’s Prevention and Control of Disease Regulation (CAP. 599H) (United States, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Russia Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates) within the past 21 days, will need to provide a negative nucleic acid test result for COVID-19, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure. You should check Hong Kong SAR government’s website for important details about the documents required. Passengers transiting within a high risk place must be tested within 72 hours of their final departure from that country.
- Jamaica * GOV.UK * The Government of Jamaica has extended the travel ban on flights coming in country from the UK until Monday 12 March 2021. British Airways to operate two passenger flights from Kingston to London Gatwick on 2 March and 4 March. You should contact BA on +44 (0)203 250 0145.
- Jordan * GOV.UK * All passengers, including Jordanians, arriving in Jordan by special repatriation flights or via land borders will be PCR tested at their own cost. Each passenger must register and pay 28JD for a PCR test.
- Laos * GOV.AU * Foreigners are currently not allowed to enter Laos, except in very limited circumstances. To enter, you’ll need prior approval from the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs and negative COVID-19 test conducted less than 72 hours before your travel. You’ll also be required to quarantine for 14 days at a government designated venue at your own cost and obtain insurance to cover the cost of treatment during the quarantine period.
- Latvia * GOV.UK * From 11 February to 6 April 2021, entry into Latvia is permitted for essential travel only, defined as for work, studies, transit, medical treatment, funerals, family reunions, returning to your residence, and accompanying a minor.
- Lesotho * GOV.AU * Lesotho is currently under Orange Level restrictions. Inbound international travel by foreign nationals is banned and outbound international travel is restricted. If you’re allowed to cross the border, you must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of your arrival (see ‘Travel’).
- Liberia * GOV.UK * Before departure from Liberia, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 test result, and a travel certificate issued by Liberia’s National Public Health Reference Laboratory.
- Lithuania * GOV.AU * COVID-19 remains a risk in Lithuania. A national lockdown remains in place. Before entering Lithuania, you must register with the National Health Centre. Depending on the country you’re coming from, you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days and present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result which is less than 48 hours old or register for a test within 24 hours after arrival (see ‘Travel’).
- Mauritius * GOV.UK * The Government of Mauritius has, in response to the COVID-19 situation, advised that individuals who have been in the UK within the previous 14 days will not be allowed entry to Mauritius. On 25 February , the Government of Mauritius announced that this measure will expire on 28 February. Travellers from the UK will be allowed to enter Mauritius from 1 March 2021.
- Mongolia * GOV.AU * All commercial international and domestic flights remain suspended. Foreign nationals may apply for short-term (up to 60 days) diplomatic, official or business visas. You must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of arrival. You’ll be required to quarantine on arrival in a hotel for 10 days at your own expense, followed by an additional four days of self-isolation. You can reduce your time in quarantine to seven days if you can present documented proof of having received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Montenegro * GOV.AU * If you’re travelling from a certain country you must have a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive in Montenegro or quarantine for 14 days on arrival (see ‘Travel’ for list).
- Namibia * GOV.AU * If you travel to Namibia despite our advice, you’ll need proof of a negative COVID 19 test (PCR) taken within 7 days before you arrive. If you don’t follow the Namibian Government COVID-19 regulations, you may be subject to legal process, including fines.
- Norway * GOV.UK * Due to covid-19 restrictions, Norway remains with strict entry rules in place. Check the UDI website for the exceptions and information about the current situation. There are some direct flights to and from the UK but the number of flights are restricted. UK nationals resident in the UK will not be able to enter Norway as visitors unless they meet certain exemptions; these are available from the UDI website. In addition to existing restrictions travellers from the UK will be required to take a number of PCR tests. See the Helsenorge website.
- Oman * GOV.UK * From 25 February, British Nationals (excluding healthcare workers) who have visited Lebanon, Sudan, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia in the last 14 days (including transit) will not be permitted to enter Oman.
- Poland * GOV.UK * From 27 February if you enter Poland from Czech Republic or Slovakia, including by private car, you must self-isolate unless you hold a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued in the 48 hour period before arrival or have a vaccination certificate showing you have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine authorised for use in the EU.
- Poland * GOV.AU * Foreigners are currently not permitted to enter Poland unless an exemption applies. If permitted to enter, you may be required to quarantine for 10 days.
- Portugal * GOV.UK * International transit through Spanish airports by passengers on flights departing from the UK is only permitted if you are travelling to a country outside the Schengen area. Transit time should be no more than 24 hours, travellers must remain airside and must be able to present a negative PCR, TNA or LAMP test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to arrival into Spain.
- Portugal * GOV.UK * Travel to Portugal, including Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores, is limited to: EU/EEA nationals and their family members; UK and other non-EU/EEA nationals who are officially resident in Portugal or another EU member state; UK and other third country nationals who are travelling for essential purposes, such as to live with immediate family members, or for professional, educational, health or humanitarian reasons.
- Qatar * GOV.AU * You may be exempt from quarantine on entry if you have been fully vaccinated in Qatar and it has been more than 14 days, and less than three months, since your second vaccine dose. This does not apply to people vaccinated in other countries. If not, you must quarantine at home under strict conditions.
- Singapore * GOV.AU * Singapore has lifted transit restrictions for a number of countries, including Australia. There are conditions on which countries you can depart from and transit through on your way to Singapore, and which airlines you can travel with. See ‘Travel’. Confirm arrangements with your airline or travel provider before purchasing your flight tickets.
- Spain * GOV.UK * Students enrolled in on-site or in-person courses starting after 1 January 2021 will be permitted entry, providing they can present documentation that demonstrates enrolment and proof of accommodation. If you are intending to study in Spain for more than 90 days in a 180 day period, you may require a visa to enter. Specific exemptions may apply. You should check possible visa requirements with the Spanish consulate in the UK prior to travel.
- Spain * GOV.UK * On 22 December 2020, Spain introduced travel restrictions on passenger travel from the UK by air and sea. These measures have been extended until 6pm (GMT+1) on 16 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), with the exception of Spanish nationals and those legally resident in Spain.
- Switzerland * GOV.AU * If you’re arriving by air, you must present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result to airline staff prior to boarding. Fines apply if you can’t present your negative test result after arrival. If you’re coming from a high-risk country or region you must also quarantine on arrival, there’s an option to reduce the duration of quarantine (see ‘Travel’). International arrivals by air, boat, bus or train must complete an online contact tracing form. Fines can be imposed to persons for not following COVID-19 measures. Follow the advice of local authorities.
- Taiwan * GOV.AU * From 1 March 2021, Taiwan will re-open its borders to foreign nationals (excluding tourists and social visitors), including short-term business travellers. International airport transits will be allowed from this date. Transiting travellers must arrive in and depart Taiwan within eight hours on flights operated by the same airline group. Taiwan has granted an eighth automatic 30-day visa extension for foreigners who arrived on short-term visitor visas on or before 21 March 2020 and whose stay has exceeded 180 days (see ‘Travel).
- Tunisia * GOV.UK * Exemptions from mandatory hotel quarantine can be granted by the Tunisian Ministry of Health, but only after the purchase of the flight ticket. You should check your airline’s cancellation policy before booking. Quarantine exemptions can be requested in the following cases: Illness requiring immediate medical care; Death of a spouse, parent or child; Individuals with a disability or chronic illness; Business trip requiring a physical presence; Medical personnel assigned to a specific task; Professional athletes participating in international sporting events.
- United Arab Emirates * GOV.AU * Dubai residents no longer require approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) to enter Dubai. If you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi, you’ll need a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result within 96 hours of travel and within 72 hours of travel if you’re travelling to Dubai. Anyone travelling to Abu Dhabi from countries on the ‘green’ list will be exempt from quarantine but still have to follow entry requirements for COVID-19 testing. Check the latest information for travelling to, from or connecting through Abu Dhabi and Dubai (see ‘Travel’). These requirements may change at short notice. Contact your airline directly for the latest update on entry or exit requirements. Delays and disruptions are likely.
Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information. The information in this report may change without prior notice.